Support for export and customs documentation
A trade deal between the EU and the UK has been agreed and as a result the process for importing and exporting goods from the EU has changed. Read the latest guidance to find out how the new rules from 1 January 2021 are likely to affect your business and actions you should take to ensure smooth operations after Brexit.
Import goods into the UK: step by step
Export goods from the UK: step by step
Guidance on Export Health Certificates (EHC)
Northern Ireland Protocol
The Northern Ireland Protocol has come into force and there are changes to the way goods move between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Take action to ensure your business can continue to operate now that these changes have been made.
Moving goods into, out of, or through Northern Ireland from 1 January 2021
More information on trading with Northern Ireland can be found in section 8 of our FAQs.
HMRC Customs Grant Scheme
Please note: as grants are issued on a first come, first served basis, the number of allocations left is limited. Businesses should apply as soon as possible to secure their funding.
Applications will close on 30 June 2021, or once all funding is allocated. Act now.
If your business completes customs declarations you can apply for funding towards the following areas:
- Training that helps your business to complete customs declarations and processes
- Hiring new staff to help your business complete customs declarations
- IT improvements to help your business complete customs declarations more efficiently
Co-funded training project
Business can access up to 2 million euros of funding for a new training project where they co-invest, under the General Block Exemption Regulations (GBER) for Training Aid.
Applications for the co-funded Training Project Grant under GBER work differently from applications to the existing scheme.
Access more information on the Co-Funded Training Project
Trader training
Traders who are new to customs and who don’t plan to complete their own declarations can apply for grants of up to £1,000 per organisation to support the cost of basic customs training.
This will help traders understand what is involved in making customs declarations and can help them prepare for when they speak to an intermediary.
Access more information on Trader Training
Businesses with AEO status
You can check if Authorised Economic Operator status could benefit you. Businesses with AEO status who are established in the UK for less than 12 months can also now access the grant scheme.
Access more information on the HMRC Customs Grant Scheme
Get support to deal with customs
You don’t have to deal with customs on your own. If your business doesn’t have the right resources to make customs declarations, you can hire someone to deal with this for you:
- Appoint someone to deal with customs on your behalf
- You can view a list of customs agents and fast parcel operators who can help with submitting customs declarations
- The British International Freight Association provides more information on freight forwarders
- Find a list of customs training providers which will help you submit customs declarations
- Find a list of software developers to get help with Customs Declaration Service and Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF) declarations
- Find out more about how to meet customs requirements fast and efficiently after the UK leaves the EU through customs declaration training offered through your local Chamber of Commerce
- Find out more about the ChamberCustoms service, a customs brokerage service for traders. This offering includes making customs declarations for companies, providing specialist customs advisory services and training courses. Further information can be accessed via the following chambers of commerce: Aberdeen and Grampian, Ayrshire, Dundee & Angus, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Renfrewshire
Imports and Exports: general queries
You can get in touch with HMRC via phone, webchat or contact form for any import and export queries you may have. The phonelines and webchat services are open Monday – Friday 8am – 6pm and closed bank holidays and weekends.
There is lots of useful content on the HMRC YouTube channel, including videos on the below topics:
Getting someone to deal with customs for you – how freight forwarders can help
How can a Customs intermediary or agent help me?
What you need to know to bring goods into the UK
Export documentation support
Scottish Enterprise is working with the eight Chambers of Commerce in Scotland who are licensed by HM Government and HMRC to issue export and import-related documentation and services. Providing expert advice and support, they can answer your questions on export and customs documentation, changes to documentation systems and associated process changes brought about by Brexit.
This service is available to all companies, not just members of the Chambers. To access this support, just call your nearest Chamber.
The eight licensed Chambers are: Aberdeen and Grampian, Ayrshire, Dundee , Edinburgh, Fife, Glasgow, Inverness and Renfrewshire.
